facebook-pixel

21-year-old LDS missionary from Utah dies ‘in his sleep’

An autopsy is planned, says church spokesperson.

(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Caleb Gene Martin, 21, of Salem, Utah, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, while serving in the church's New Mexico Farmington Mission.

Some 20 months into his two-year proselytizing stint, a 21-year-old missionary from Utah for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has died while serving in New Mexico.

Caleb Gene Martin died “in his sleep” Saturday, church spokesperson Sam Penrod said in Sunday news release, “from a medical cause that has not yet been determined.”

Penrod said an autopsy is planned.

Martin, from Salem, had been laboring in the faith’s New Mexico Farmington Mission since May 2024.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow missionaries,” Penrod said. “We pray they will find comfort and strength through their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ and feel the Savior’s love as they honor Elder Martin’s life and devoted missionary service.”

The Utah-based church has more than 84,000 full-time missionaries serving in 451 missions throughout the world. Come July, 55 additional missions will come on line, boosting the global total to 506.

Help The Tribune report the stories others can’t—or won’t.

For over 150 years, The Salt Lake Tribune has been Utah’s independent news source. Our reporters work tirelessly to uncover the stories that matter most to Utahns, from unraveling the complexities of court rulings to allowing tax payers to see where and how their hard earned dollars are being spent. This critical work wouldn’t be possible without people like you—individuals who understand the importance of local, independent journalism.  As a nonprofit newsroom, every subscription and every donation fuels our mission, supporting the in-depth reporting that shines a light on the is sues shaping Utah today.

You can help power this work.

$15$25$35

RELATED STORIES